It’s the final in-state pitches for former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley before Super Tuesday votes are cast. And it’s showcasing the contrasting approaches and support they received in North Carolina.
At the Special Events Center of the Greensboro Coliseum, Former President Trump gathered over 5,000 supporters and prominent Republican candidates. Despite the cool weather and light rain, Trump’s fans showed unwavering dedication, with some even lining up hours before the doors opened. They waved large Trump flags, bought Trump merchandise, and expressed their belief in his ability to address issues like crime, drugs, and illegal immigration.
In downtown Raleigh’s Union Station, Nikki Haley drew a crowd of about 1,500 people. Her conservative pragmatism seemed to be overshadowed by the vitriol and melodrama of the Trump campaign. It was clear that the Republican party leaned more towards Trump’s approach.
This “get out the vote” effort attracted some of North Carolina’s prominent GOP candidates, all of whom were endorsed by Trump. They used this opportunity to highlight their campaign issues and gain visibility ahead of the primary. Among them were U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore, Addison McDowell, and Lt. Governor Mark Robinson.
With great fanfare, Trump arrived at the event after 2 p.m., greeted by the National Anthem performed by “The J6 Prison Choir,” a group of men imprisoned for their involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump referred to these men as “hostages” wrongfully imprisoned for protesting on his behalf.
During his speech, Trump praised the other GOP candidates present and saved his most colorful acclaim for Mark Robinson, whom he called “better than George Washington.” It was a display of his strong endorsement for the Lieutenant Governor’s bid for the GOP nomination for governor.
Overall, these pre-Super Tuesday events in North Carolina showcased the divided state of the Republican party. Trump’s event drew a larger crowd, displaying his enduring appeal among his supporters. On the other hand, Haley’s event indicated a more moderate approach, but still struggled to match the fervor of Trump’s campaign.
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